Understanding Workplace health and safety issues
How people choose to handle stress from work can make a big difference in our health and job performance. Below are my results from the three surveys I took that are designed to show me and give me meaningful insights on how I handle stress.
What I Learned About Myself
On the Life Stress Inventory survey, I scored a 153, which puts me right on the upper barrier ofI not having a high risk of stress related health issues, and having them. That makes sense because I usually feel pretty normal and don’t think stress impacts me more than the normal person, and I would even say that I am surprised that I scored so high. Furthermore, the Coping and Stress Management Skills Test said I only “sometimes” use “problem focused” strategies effectively, especially in situations I can’t control. I don’t really agree with that because I feel like I take my problems head on rather than avoiding them. When I get stressed and have an issue I try to get to the bottom of it as soon as I can because I don’t like the feeling of being constantly stressed.
Lastly, the Type A Personality Survey was the most eye opening. I scored a 73, which means I have traits like impatience and frustration that could negatively impact my health and relationships. The test results further suggested that these traits put me at a higher risk of heart disease. Unlike the other survey results, this one feels accurate. I will admit that I do get mad easily, especially when I am in situations where I have no control and I can’t do anything about the issue at hand, and I know that’s something I should work on.
Steps I Can Take to Manage Stress
BAsed on my survey results, to keep stress from affecting my career and health, I need to focus on “going with the flow of things”. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation could help me stay calm, mainly in those situations that I can’t control, which make me the most frustrated. Since I know I can be impatient at times, working on how I react to situations can also make a big difference. Additionally I believe that eating consistently, and getting enough sleep are also important for managing my stress, because I tend to get very irritable when I am hungry or have a lack of sleep. Lastly, building a support system through coworkers, friends, or family would also be a good idea to help me deal with challenges in a healthier way.
Health of Current Organizations
In today’s world, it seems like a lot of companies are realizing how important it is to help employees manage stress. Some offer Employee Assistance Programs, which give workers access to counseling and mental health support. This is also common at universities, as I have seen emails and awareness for mental health support around Campus at OSU. Additionally post 2020, it seems like many companies also provide flexible work options, like remote work or flexible hours, to help with work life balance. Furthermore companies like Google and Nike provide wellness programs, like gym memberships or yoga classes, encouraging employees to stay healthy. Some companies like American Express even offer stress management training, teaching employees skills like mindfulness and time management to handle workplace challenges better.